Iraqi railways - map, website, photo
Iraq Railways
Iraqi railways are more than 2000 km of track. They differ in a standard track, which is 1435 mm. The railway system is operated by IRR. The roads cross the territory of the state from Basra to Baghdad, branches of the road go to Mosul, Erbil and Akashat. The transportation system in Iraq developed in the middle of the last century. The state of the railway sector has deteriorated as a result of the wars. In 2003, passenger traffic was completely stopped, as the war broke out. Rail transport started operating again in 2008.
Characteristics of the railway sphere
In 1914, the first line Baghdad - Samarra was opened. The length of the tracks was 123 km. Today, the country has rail, road and air communications. During the war, the transport infrastructure was damaged. Only the main highways are in good condition. Secondary tracks need to be repaired. Highways form a well-branched network. There are international airports in Iraq (in Basra and Baghdad). More than 100 airports are used to service domestic airlines. The country maintains sea traffic using ports. The main ports are Fao, Basra, Ez-Zubair and Umm Qasr. Passenger traffic takes place along the route Mosul - Kirkuk - Baghdad - Basra. There is a line to Erbil, which has ceased to be used due to the situation with Iraqi Kurdistan.
Iraqi railways are not in great demand among the local population. Most people prefer to travel by bus. Iraqi buses lack amenities and need upgrades. Departure occurs as it is filled. You can get around the city by taxi. Iraq maintains transport links with neighboring countries using trains. It is associated with Turkey, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia. There is a line to Jordan that is still very little used. Baghdad has a subway built 20 years ago. The metro is underdeveloped and does not function at full capacity.
Obstacles to the development of railway communication
The development of the country's transport system is hampered by periodic hostilities. The main factor affecting the state of the railway network is the economy. It has been undermined, despite the fact that Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia. The country has underdeveloped infrastructure, an inefficient public sector, a low standard of living, a huge external debt.